Here are my current two options. I'm open to other suggestions but only for the same price or lower including shipping. These are both local bike shops.
Why do I want a gravel bike?
I currently commute on a vintage road bike. It's on it's last legs and I feel the need for something a bit more robust. I cycle in the city but the road surfaces are terrible. It's also very dangerous with regards to traffic and I've had tons of close calls so I like the idea of having disc brakes. I'm also an avid enduro mountain biker and I think I would feel more at home on a gravel bike. I know about enduro bikes but I don't know how to compare these gravel bikes.
Why not used?
I can avail of a government scheme to get this bike half price if I buy it new.
Other info
I probably won't hit the trails on this thing. I'm too in love with DH/enduro.
8 speed is plenty for me to get around the city so I won't choose the Voodoo for having more gears.
by bitchfucker91
2 Comments
Halfords prices have fairly gone up, I payed £100 less than that Limba for a Nakisi 3 years ago (same frame but with Sora 2×9 and alloy forks).
Of those 2, I’d say the VR. The alloy forks on my Nakisi aren’t great for comfort on UK roads (no idea if Ireland is any better), the steel ones on the Limba will be torture especially compared to CF forks on the VR. My main concern about the VR, not having ridden a bike with Microshift, is the huge range on that cassette. 12-42T 8 speed is going to mean big jumps between sprockets. Neither is great from that POV though, 11-28T on the Limba feels undergeared to me unless it’s very flat where you live.
Looking at the specs and geometry, I think I’d pick the Van Rysel between those two. Will be a good bit lighter with the alloy frame and carbon fork, has tubeless-ready rims (the Voodoo doesn’t mention having tubeless-ready wheels, so I’m guessing they’re not).
The Van Rysel geometry is more toward the classic, maneuverable end of things, whereas the Voodoo will have a bit more of a MTB feel; more stable in a straight line, but maybe not quite as fun/nimble. And a much better low gear on the Van Rysel as the other commenter said. Voodoo really wants people walking up hills I guess. 😅